UPDATES on Covid-19: Advice and cancelled events
The Lost Gaeltacht book launch postponed
Due to the present position in respect of corona virus (covid19) it has been decided to suspend the book launch of The Lost Gaeltacht scheduled for 20th March in Bohermeen community centre until further notice. However over the next week or thereabouts i expect to be able to advise where books can be bought either on-line or in specific bookshops and other outlets. As masses are suspended over the coming weeks the communications channel of the parish newsletter is no loner available. I am therefore trying to communicate with people directly or through social media. I would therefore appreciate if you could alert anyone you think may have planned to attend of the change in plan. Best regards, Martin O'Halloran
RSA Suspends Driving Test Service
Friday 13 March. Following the Government decision to introduce measures to delay the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) sought and has received advice from the public health authorities who are managing this public health crisis. Based on that advice we are suspending all driving tests following the conclusion of the last test today Friday 13 March 2020.
The suspension of driving tests will run until 29 March 2019 and this will be kept under review. Those who have a driving test scheduled during this period will have the test rescheduled free of charge and we will be directly in contact with candidates in the coming days. Updates around the re-starting of driving tests will be published on rsa.ie and RSA social media.
St Patricks CS School Closure Update
We wish to inform you that there will be no access to the school premises for students, teachers or parents after 5pm this evening. After seeking appropriate advice we are shutting everything down to carry out a deep clean of the whole premises. After this the school will be locked until March 30th. If you or your son need to visit the school for any reason, please do so by 5 pm. this evening.
The State Exams Commission is working on contingency plans for 3rd & 6th Years and we will communicate these updates as soon as they become available.
Please reassure your son that the school closure will be taken into consideration by the State Exams Commission and that there is no need for any unnecessary worry or concern regarding Orals, Practicals and written exams.
If you have any concerns during this period of closure, please call the following number 046 9023772.
Navan races behind closed doors
The Board of Horse Racing Ireland has announced that horse racing will take place behind closed doors starting at Dundalk tomorrow up until 29th March.
This includes race meetings at Navan on 14th and 28th March.
It follows Government advice issued this morning to contain the spread of Covid-19, including an instruction to limit external gatherings to less than 500 people.
Restrictions are:
Racemeetings will be closed to the public with recommended social distancing measures implemented on track.
Access will be restricted to essential service providers and industry participants.
There will be no catering services, on course bookmakers or Tote services provided.
One groom per runner declared will be admitted to the racecourse.
One owner per runner will be admitted.
Only trainers of horses running at the meeting will be admitted.
All participants will be asked to vacate the racecourse after their horses have run.
Racing will continue to be made available to broadcasters as at present.
The offices of Horse Racing Ireland will remain open during this time and working from home arrangements will be facilitated wherever possible.
History talk postponed
Meath Archaeological and Historical Society has postponed the lecture by Marion Rogan 'The Second Reformation in Meath' scheduled for 18th March at the Old Courthouse Kells. It is hoped to hold this talk at a later date.
An Post statement on services
An Post is carefully monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Detailed Business Continuity Plans are in place and we are working closely with the HSE Expert team, the Health Threats Coordination Group and international postal organisations.
• In order to help keep Ireland’s supply-chains running, An Post is working to ensure the continuity of mails, parcels and post office services over the coming weeks.
• Mails & Parcel collection and delivery services will operate as normal (except to countries to which services are suspended - currently China and Mongolia).
• Delivery times may vary as we strive to facilitate flexible working times for staff.
• The HSE advises that there is no evidence of a risk of contracting the virus that causes Covid-19 by handling money, mails or parcels.
• All Post Offices will remain open for business as usual.
• Special arrangements for post office customers unable to collect their regular DEASP payments (e.g. Pensions) are now in place. A nominated Temporary Agent may collect the payment on their behalf, on production of necessary ID and documentation – Details at the Post Office or anpost.com.
• State Savings and An Post Money Current Account services are working normally
• Please see anpost.com for updates
“At this difficult time for everyone, our objective is to ensure the health & safety of staff, the continuity of business for An Post’s customers and to assist the national effort wherever possible” said An Post CEO, David McRedmond.
Postponement of National Tree Week 2020
Coillte in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland has made the decision to postpone National Tree Week 2020 and all related public events until further notice.
"We understand this will disappoint many people who had arranged Tree Week planting events around the country, but we must prioritise the health and wellbeing of our communities," Coillte says.
Helpline for older people
ALONE, the organisation that supports older people has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. ALONE is a member of the National Public Health Emergency Vulnerable People Subgroup.
Professional staff will be available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line will be open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024, and hours may be extended to meet the demand.
Matthews college bus services suspended
Matthews.ie have announced that their daily service from the north east to Dublin City University (DCU) will not operate between Friday 13th March and Monday 30th March in light of the current restrictions.
All of the company’s other routes are currently running as normal – including the service to and from UCD, as this is also a commuter service to Dublin’s southside.
Matthews.ie are constantly monitoring the situation and will keep customers informed through their channels if there are any further adjustments to services.
ICOS MARTS ANNOUNCE MEASURES RE. COVID-19
We are committed to taking every step necessary to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone associated with our marts nationwide.
We have appropriate measures in place and are continuing to follow all protocols recommended by the health authorities.
In view of guidance issued today (12th March) by the Government and HSE, we will be putting a range of additional measures in place as follows:
• We kindly ask that only ‘trading customers’ should attend marts until further notice, i.e. only those buying or selling livestock.
• We most respectfully ask non-trading patrons to refrain from visiting until further notice up to 29th March 2020 when further guidance will be provided.
• The number of people attending individual mart ringsides at any one time will be limited to 100, which will be managed on a strict rotation system, i.e. using admission cards which will be rotated among patrons at the entrance / exit to the mart ringside or other such monitoring methods as devised by the mart.
Post offices operating as normal - Special arrangements in place for payments
An Post has just announced special arrangements for post office customers in receipt of payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP).
In the event of a customer not being able to collect their DEASP payment personally at the Post Office a nominated person (Temporary Agent) can be nominated to collect the payment on their behalf.
When collecting a payment, a ‘Temporary Agent’ must produce the recipient's card as issued by the DEASP as well as their own valid photo I.D. e.g current Passport, Driving Licence or Public Service Card.
To become a Temporary Agent, the recipient must complete the required form which is available from the Post Office.
Post offices throughout the country continue to operate as normal. We are carefully monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Business Continuity Plans are in place and we are working closely with the HSE Expert team, the Health Threats Coordination Group and international postal organisations. See anpost.com for further updates.
MEATH GAA ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED
Meath GAA have ordered the postponement of all GAA games and training in Meath at all age grades until the 29th March as well as suggesting that all social interaction should be minimised and GAA Club events/meetings must be postponed to safeguard the well-being of all in the community.
DAFM cancel LPIS meetings
Please note that due to Taoiseach’s statement on Covid – 19, the Department’s planned LPIS meetings commencing this evening in Cavan are all cancelled.
LPIS Rebuild Public Information Meeting
Venue: Hotel Kilmore, Dublin Road, Co. Cavan H12 F6Y7
Date: Thursday 12th March 2020
Time: 20:00 – 22:30
LPIS Rebuild Public Information Meeting
Venue: Longford Arms Hotel, Main Street, Longford Town, Co. Longford
Date: Thursday 19th March 2020
Time: 20:00 – 22:30
LPIS Rebuild Public Information Meeting
Venue: Newgrange Hotel, Bridge Street, Navan, Co. Meath
Date: Monday 23rd March 2020
Time: 20:00 – 22:30
LPIS Rebuild Public Information Meeting
Venue: Hillgrove Hotel, Old Armagh Road, Monaghan H18 RK15
Date: Thursday 26th March 2020
Time: 20:00 – 22:30
LPIS Rebuild Public Information Meeting
Venue: Bush Hotel, Carrick On Shannon, Town Centre, Co. Leitrim
Date: Tuesday 31st March 2020
Time: 20:00 – 22:30
The Department continues to liaise closely with and follow the advice of the Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health and the HSE in relation to COVID-19.
Tara AC Lip Sync cancelled
Based on recent developments on the Covid 19 containment efforts and in conjunction with guidance from the HSE emergency planning, the organising committee have made the proactive decision to postpone the Tara AC Lip Sync scheduled for 13th March. We are taking this measure in the overall best interest of the health and safety of all our members, supporters, patrons and sponsors.Tickets will be valid for the future date but refunds are also available apon request.
Maynooth University conferring ceremonies postponed
Maynooth University is implementing reasonable and proportionate precautions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, adhering to the policy and advice set out by the Health Service Executive. Our priorities at this time are to minimise the chances of spreading the infection and to protect the health and welfare of our staff and students. The University has established a coordination group to oversee planning and response measures, to provide ongoing guidance to staff and students, and to prepare appropriate contingency plans.
The campus remains open and operating as normal for teaching and research, and will continue to do so unless and until advised otherwise by public health authorities. Given emerging advice on events, and having conducted a risk assessment, we have decided to postpone our conferring ceremonies scheduled for March 19th and 20th; we will evaluate whether or not to proceed with other planned events on a case by case basis in the light of public health guidance.
DkIT information portal
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has launched a new information portal (www.dkit.ie/covid19) for students and staff with guidance and support in relation to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Ireland and globally.
The new portal was established as part of the Institute’s continued response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak nationally. All content will be reviewed and updated regularly and will act as the central channel of communication to students and staff on this issue.
Currently the Institute has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and students and all measures are precautionary at this stage. The Institute has advised students and staff that it will remain open and operate as normal unless otherwise advised.
The Institute has been in contact with all staff or students that are known to have visited affected areas in the past six weeks. We are closely monitoring the latest advice from key sources including the Health Service Executive (HSE), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the Centre for Disease Control(US)CDC and World Health Organisation (WHO).
A COVID-19 task force has been established within the Insitute. This task force is meeting daily to review the situation at DkIT and evaluate the latest guidance issued from relevant health authorities and government. Appropriate actions will be decided upon and communicated directly to staff and students via the website.
Cancelled: Friday nights Live sessions at the Backroom, Navan
Meath County Board GAA
Meath GAA County Board Ciaran Flynn has issued a statement saying: "We fully support Simonstown Gaels and compliment them on the diligent approach they have taken in dealing with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in their GAA Club. We encourage all our clubs to fully implement the guidelines from the HSE that they received earlier in the week.
Meath GAA is in liaison with the GAA Central Council and the HSE regarding the well-being of our members across the county. All GAA games in Meath will continue as planned unless we receive direction from the GAA and the HSE. We are fully prepared to heed the advice of the medical experts.
Finally, we reiterate our support of Simonstown Gaels and advise the public of the message that was relayed to them by the HSE:
"....the HSE/Public Health when contacted and given that the players have not had any contact with anyone in the club or been in or around the club since they returned there is no obligation on Simonstown to do anything really aside from following standard protocols as advised by HSE (refer to website) in relation to the Corona virus."
Vintners response to Green Party
In response to demands from the Green Party to close pubs for the next two weeks, the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) says its members will follow any instructions from the Chief Medical Officer, the Expert Advisory Group and government.
"It is important that decisions about how best to mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus are made by experts and not unqualified spokespeople," Brian Foley, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, Vintners' Federation of Ireland, said.
Statement from Irish Catholic Bishops on Church events
Following its meeting in Maynooth today, the Catholic hierarchy presented the following directions in the light of current public health authority advice in Ireland, north and south, aware that these might have to change at very short notice.
"While acknowledging that the following directives will involve sacrifice for all, we encourage a positive engagement in order that the most vulnerable amongst us can be protected and so that the coronavirus can be contained," they stated.
Hand Hygiene
- It is important that hand sanitiser is provided at each entrance of the church.
- Holy water fonts should remain empty at this time.
- The Sign of Peace is not to be expressed by hand shaking.
- Having received Holy Communion, and before and after distributing, the priest and ministers should sanitise their hands.
- Collection baskets: priests are asked to provide an alternative to the practice of passing collection baskets through the congregation. The faithful are asked to continue their generous contributions to the upkeep of their parish.
Receiving Holy Communion in the hand
We ask that Holy Communion be received in the hand until the current crisis has passed.
Sunday / Weekday Mass
At this time the celebration of Mass on Sundays and on weekdays - including Saint Patrick’s Day – will continue as normal. However, those with underlying conditions and those who are considered vulnerable are dispensed from their Sunday obligation to attend. We strongly encourage people with such conditions to be spiritually united with their local community. Where possible they should avail of parish radio broadcasts and webcam. While in church and as far as possible people are asked to keep a safe distance from one another, in keeping with current advice.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is a happy and joyous occasion which brings people together from far and wide. We ask that people with underlying health conditions and who are considered vulnerable from a health perspective, should not attend the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will continue for now but may have to be postponed at very short notice in the light of future advice from the public health authorities. The anointing with the Oil of Chrism will be administered without direct touch, in a safe and appropriate manner, such as with the use of a cotton bud.
Celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick
Concerning the pastoral care of the sick and the administration of the sacrament, the priest will use a cotton bud or surgical glove for the anointing with Holy Oil and dispose of them appropriately.
The Sacrament of Baptism
During this time the celebrant will sign the child with the Cross without touching. Where there is more than one child being baptised, a single jug of fresh water will be blessed and used. The anointing with the Holy Oils will be administered by the use of cotton buds.
Funerals
The community of faith will always seek to surround the funerals and burials of its deceased members with love and respect. However, even now it is clear that people with underlying conditions, and who are vulnerable, should not attend funerals. For the same reason, when sympathising, people should not shake hands.
The Church awaits official guidance from the public health authorities in the event of a deterioration in the situation. While abiding by all such advice, the Church will always stand with the bereaved and do its best to ensure a Christian burial for those who request it.
Concelebration of Mass
In light of our particular circumstances at this time, and health authority guidance, the bishops have given permission for only the main celebrant to receive from the chalice, when concelebration is deemed necessary.
Reviewing this information
"We ask everyone to continue to follow the guidance of the public health authorities north and south. As the situation evolves, Church-specific information will be updated and published on local diocesan websites, on the website of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference www.catholicbishops.ie and on their related digital media platforms," the bishops concluded.
Navan Rugby Club Lip Sync
Navan Rugby Club has postponed its Broadway LipSync show to October, saying: “In light of the escalating & unprecedented situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), and having considered current guidelines available, the organising committee of Navan RFC Lipsync Broadway have made the proactive decision to postpone the ‘Lipsync Broadway Live Show’ originally scheduled for Friday 10th April next. This measure is being taken in the best interests, health and safety and overall welfare of our members, patrons, supporters and sponsors. It will take place on Saturday 10th October next.
St Patrick's Classical School/St Michael's Loreto
In light of the developing situation regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and in consultation with the Management of St Michael's Loreto, the school management have taken the decision to postpone the TY show, 'Don't Give Me Lip!', until further notice. This decision has been taken with the latest advice and information and with the best interest of all concerned and indeed the wider community. Rehearsals planned for tomorrow will now not happen and all boys should attend school as normal.
Navan O'Mahonys
Navan O'Mahonys has postponed its OsKars due to take place in Knightsbrook on 21st March.
Lismullen 3k & 10k
The Lismullen 3k & 10k fun runs that were due to be held this Sunday have become the latest events to be postponed as measures continue to be taken to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.
"Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 situation we have had to postpone the event from taking place this Sunday15th March," read a statment from the organisers.
Meath Bowls
All fixtures in the Meath Indoor Bowling Zone League have been called off with immediate effect. According to Michael Fitzsimons the league's Zone Convenor the decision was taken in the interest of public health.
The league also incorporates clubs in Meath, Westmeath and Longford. "In the best interest of public health and well-being we have decided to postpone all matches in the Meath & Westmeath Bowls League for the forseeable future," he said. The Irish Indoor Bowls Association have expressed their agreement with all postponements.
There are in the region of 25 clubs involved in the league in both Westmeath and Meath. In the Royal County there are teams representing areas such as Navan, Trim, Skryne, Stamullen, Kilmessan, Meath Hill and Dunshaughlin.
The league is currently drawing to a close with only two weeks of matches left to be played however these will not now be played - at least for some time.
It is understood that all contests involving bowls have been called off in Northern Ireland.
As testing for the coronavirus is ramped up in Ireland there are fears that that all public gatherings could soon be cancelled ytt the time of writing all GAA and soccer games planned for the weekend were due to go ahead.
However the Meath Indoor Bowling Zone League have taken the decision not to go ahead with their programme until further notice.